ISLAND FALLS -- The time of year is fast approaching when Katahdin Valley Health Center hosts its Fifth Annual Autumn Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, October 4, at VaJoWa Golf Club in Island Falls. The tournament is KVHC's major fundraiser with all profits supporting diabetes programs for people throughout the Greater Katahdin Region. Testing supplies and medications needed to help regulate diabetes are expensive and not always affordable for many local residents.
There is no current cure for diabetes. Diabetes is a serious disease, but it is controllable so those suffering from this disease can lead healthy, active lives.
In the U.S., 8% of the population, or 23.6 million children and adults, have diabetes. While an estimated 17.9 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately 5.7 million people are unaware they have the disease.
In northern Maine, 8% to 10% of the population has diabetes. The majority of these people also suffer from depression, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and other grave health issues.
Diabetes is a serious chronic disease that can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication. It is a disease that affects the body's insulin, impairing the body's ability to use food. People with diabetes are at a much higher risk than the general population for damage to the eyes, feet, kidneys, nerves and blood vessels.
Because of these serious risk factors, the American Diabetes Association recommends regular screening for early signs of damage. Many of these side effects can be delayed or avoided altogether through careful blood sugar control. A recent study found that lowering blood sugar levels also lowers treatment costs for people.
All proceeds from this golf event directly benefit our friends and neighbors throughout the Katahdin Region who suffer from diabetes. Donations are tax deductible. All sponsors will be acknowledged in promotional materials for the tourney, at the event and receive special recognition in printed material, including KVHC's Community Newsletter distributed to more than 14,000 households.
Team registrations are still available for a four-person scramble, shotgun start at 9:45 a.m. Cost is $50 per player or $200 per team. Teams are encouraged to register as soon as possible.
Sponsorship and team registration forms are available on line at www.kvhc.org and at all KVHC's Millinocket Medical and Dental Clinics, Patten, Island Falls and Houlton. For more information, call KVHC at 528-2285, Ext. 301 or 1-866-366-5842 [toll free].
